Cybersecurity Engineer II

Kirkland-; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 133,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer II to join the Security Governance team in Austin or Chicago. You will assess security risks, manage vulnerabilities, and collaborate with technical and business stakeholders to strengthen the firm’s security posture.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of cybersecurity experience, expertise in Windows and Unix, and knowledge of Azure IaaS/SaaS, security controls, and industry standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of direct experience in security assessments, vulnerability management, or related cybersecurity functions.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience performing product security assessments in Windows and Unix environments.
• Strong knowledge of IT security controls, enterprise infrastructure, and cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure IaaS and SaaS.
• Experience with security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, SOC, and SIG.
• Hands‑on experience with security tools and technologies, including vulnerability assessment tools, IAM technologies, authentication systems, EDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption, and log analysis.
• Scripting or automation experience (e.g., Python, PowerShell, APIs) is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• A self-directed, collaborative mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or OSCP are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform security risk assessments on new technologies, IT projects, and third-party vendors, and respond to client and partner security assessments, questionnaires, and audits.
• Manage and mature vulnerability management and security assessment programs, including developing metrics, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor emerging threats and vulnerabilities, triage findings, and coordinate appropriate remediation and response activities.
• Partner with Security Architecture and other technical teams to evaluate, recommend, and implement security technologies and controls.
• Provide subject matter expertise and consulting on information security topics to technical teams, business leadership, and attorneys.
• Support the development and maintenance of security policies, standards, processes, and guidelines.
• Assist with long-term information security strategy, planning, and issue management, including exceptions and findings.
• Train, mentor, and support junior cybersecurity engineers, contributing to team growth and capability building.

Skills

Security risk assessments

Vulnerability management

Threat monitoring

Communication skills

Automation scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field

Tools

EDR

Firewalls

IDS/IPS

Encryption

Log analysis

Job description

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Cyber Security Engineer II to join our Security Governance team in either Austin or Chicago. In this role, you will play a critical part in protecting the firm by assessing security risks, identifying and managing vulnerabilities, and partnering closely with technical and business stakeholders to strengthen our overall security posture. This position is ideal for a seasoned cybersecurity professional who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and influencing security outcomes across a complex enterprise environment.

• Perform security risk assessments on new technologies, IT projects, and third-party vendors, and respond to client and partner security assessments, questionnaires, and audits.
• Manage and mature vulnerability management and security assessment programs, including developing metrics, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor emerging threats and vulnerabilities, triage findings, and coordinate appropriate remediation and response activities.
• Partner with Security Architecture and other technical teams to evaluate, recommend, and implement security technologies and controls.
• Provide subject matter expertise and consulting on information security topics to technical teams, business leadership, and attorneys.
• Support the development and maintenance of security policies, standards, processes, and guidelines.
• Assist with long-term information security strategy, planning, and issue management, including exceptions and findings.
• Train, mentor, and support junior cybersecurity engineers, contributing to team growth and capability building.

What You’ll Bring

• 5+ years of direct experience in security assessments, vulnerability management, or related cybersecurity functions.
• A bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Experience performing product security assessments in Windows and Unix environments.
• Strong knowledge of IT security controls, enterprise infrastructure, and cloud technologies, including Microsoft Azure IaaS and SaaS.
• Experience working with security frameworks and standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, SOC, and SIG.
• Hands‑on experience with security tools and technologies, including vulnerability assessment tools, IAM technologies, authentication systems, EDR, firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption, and log analysis.
• Scripting or automation experience (e.g., Python, PowerShell, APIs) is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• A self-directed, collaborative mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CEH, or OSCP are preferred.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $133,000 - $166,000

Don’t meet every job requirement? That’s okay! If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.